Understanding how kainate receptors function and are regulated in the brain.
Official title: Synaptic Organization and Modulation of Kainate Receptors: Investigating the Structure, Dynamics, and Function in the Context of Trans-Synaptic Junctions
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10852939 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain receptors work and how they might be linked to conditions like autism and epilepsy, with the hope that understanding these connections can help improve treatments for people with these disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,961 |
| NIH project number | 5F99NS130928-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10852939 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related neurocognitive conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the functioning of kainate receptors or those not diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of kainate receptors, which are important for neurotransmitter release and excitatory signaling in the brain. By examining how these receptors interact with specific proteins, the study aims to uncover their modulation and how this affects synaptic responses. Using advanced techniques like electrophysiology and single-molecule FRET, the research will explore the structural and functional dynamics of these receptors at synapses, particularly in relation to conditions like autism and epilepsy. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms underlying neurocognitive disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neurocognitive disorders such as autism and epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of glutamate receptors in neurocognitive disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Cuauhtemoc Ulises — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Cuauhtemoc Ulises
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.